MXGP #124 2024 by MXGP MAG

#124 2024

W O N F L O W E TH G N I R WEA

D E R

CONTENT

002 EDITORIAL

006 COOL SHOTS

012 2024 CALENDAR

022 THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN

036 MONSTER GIRLS

040 RIDER OF THE MONTH ALESSANDRO LUPINO

022

056

RACING CATCH UP

PODCAST

058 ANTONIO CAIROLI 2010 KTM 350 SX

062 HALL OF FAME JOEL ROELANTS

066 PADDOCK TALKS

044

MONSTER G

SPECIAL FEATURE

010

COOL SHOTS

048

RIDER OF THE MONTH MXGP MAG

GIRLS

Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: MXGP, Ducati, P. Haudiquert

080

HALL OF FAME

INFRONT MOTO RACING MEDIA World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #124 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Infront Moto Racing. Then content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written. The copying of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has ben requested from Infront Moto Racing in advance and reference is made to the source (©MXGP).

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR 2024 ! THE UPCOMING MXGP’S YEAR PROMISES TO BE REMARKABLE. FIRST, WE ARE WELCOMING BACK THE MXGP OF CHINA, WHICH WAS A GREAT SUCCESS IN 2019, AND A FIRST EVER MOTOCROSS GRAND PRIX IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND GROWING COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. SHANGHAI WILL HOST ITS SECOND GRAND PRIX IN SEPTEMBER AFTER THE MXGP OF TURKIYE.

After the opening of the season on the spectacular and appreciated track of Villa La Angostura in Argentina, the MXGP will land in Spain – Madrid for the first Grand Prix in Europe. I am sure the Spanish fans will answer the call to support the reigning World Champion Jorge Prado in his mission to keep his title! The 2024 calendar will also welcome a new venue, Lugo – Spain for a second Grand Prix. The popularity of motocross in Spain is growing thanks to the great work of the last decade from the Spanish Federation in collaboration with Infront Moto Racing, which now are represented by talented riders like Jorge Prado but also Ruben Fernandez, and the next generation in European classes. I would like also to mention the talented rider Daniela Guillen who is also part of the future of WMX. Another fantastic announcement is the presentation of the Offroad program from Ducati, building a team around some of the most experienced people in the paddock, Corrado and Marco Maddi, and the 9th Time and legend of MXGP, Antonio Cairoli together with Alessandro Lupino. Ducati will bring like Triumph a new and dynamic perspective to MXGP. It will continue to rise the level of competition of the sport. In the upcoming seasons MXGP will have the biggest number of Official Manufacturers participating in the World Championship in the history of

Motorsport with 11 prestigious brands (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Husqvarna, GASGAS, Triumph, Ducati, Beta, TM, Fantic)! It is a fantastic rewards for our work over the last decades but also brings a bigger motivation to continue to develop all the aspect of our sport to rise its popularity ! We used the wintertime to redesign our Official Magazine after several years, so you will find a different way of reading it, with more videos, podcasts, interactions with the riders, and all the stakeholders of MXGP. On the Broadcasting area, we renewed some important collaborations for example with L’Equipe – La Chaine in France to continue to provide LIVE to the French fans and some deals in Asia and South America. Finally, I would like to say a few words about Claudio and Davide De Carli who celebrated 30 years of racing team in the World Championship this week. They marked our sport with their professionalism, serious and positiveness during those three decades, participating actively to the growth of the MXGP. They are the most victorious team in our recent history, and I wish them to have 30 more years with this dynamic and great collaboration.

David Luongo CEO of Infront Moto Racing

COOL SHOTS

SPECIAL FEATURE 12

LET’S UNFOLD 2024� The championship muchSTEP INTO THE THRILLING WORLD OF MOTOCROSS anticipated start is set against the breathtaking AS WE BID FAREWELL TO THE EXCITING 2023 backdrop of Villa la Angostura in the province SEASON OF THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD of Neuquén, Argentina. CHAMPIONSHIP AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATE THE This iconic venue, winner ACTION-PACKED JOURNEY THAT THE 2024 SEASON of the 2023 MXGP Best Fan Engagement award, HAS IN STORE. holds a special place in the hearts of motocross aficionados. From its first appearance on the FIM Motocross World Motocross fans worldwide are on the edge of their Championship calendar back in 2015 the MXGP of seats, awaiting the next chapter with a lineup of World Patagonia-Argentina evoke historic victories that have Champions ready to fight for the crown. made it a must-see of the MXGP Calendar, setting the stage for an unforgettable season. Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled ride with 21 events on the horizon, including the prestigious Monster As the MXGP circus travels back to the old Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin. continent, the Spanish fervor awaits at Intu Xanadù The global reach of MXGP continues to expand with – Arroyomolinos, located in the Comunidad de the return of the MXGP of China, showcasing the Madrid and home to defending champion Jorge commitment to bringing top motocross entertainment Prado. The venue has hosted the FIM Motocross to fans around the world. World Championship since 2020 showing a great

enthusiasm each year. Jorge Prado is the home hero there and everywhere you turn; you can see fans with the red and yellow flags marked with the number 61. However, last year it was a historic moment for Jeffrey Herlings who finally surpassed Stefan Everts’ record of the most GP wins with 102. The third round will land in Riola Sardo the 7th of April. The track of Riola is part of the MXGP Calendar also since 2020 and from that time has been a special venue. The island of Sardegna is one of the most sport-supporting regions in Italy and year on year it becomes more important for motocross. Especially with being the perfect spot for the pre-season preparation for many teams due to the great climate and the incredible infrastructure. The organizers and the local authorities give so much to deliver this special event on the tough Sardinian sands. In 2023, Herlings showed one of the most historic comebacks in the second heat to get onto the highest step of the podium. The fourth GP of the season will mark an Italian back-to-back with the MXGP of Trentino at the Pietramurata track. The scenic landscape of the Dolomite Mountains of Trentino surrounding the track is one of a kind in the Championship. The atmosphere is second to none when it comes to excitement who know too well the history of the venue. Last year, it was the first Grand Prix win of the season for the two

future Motocross World Champions, Jorge Prado and Andrea Adamo. It seems like an omen for Trentino as in 2022, Gajser and Vialle won together in MXGP and MX2 to also secure later their World Title. The venue itself saw many incredible victorious riders such as Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser, who all have five wins each. Following Trentino, the FIM Motocross World Championship will move down to the south of Europe as Agueda will host the MXGP of Portugal on the 5th May. Agueda is easily recognized by its unique orange-tinted clay that is well-known by many, especially as this track has hosted the FIM Motocross World Championship a total of 24 times! When it comes to victories, Cairoli and Herlings are the most victorious there, with five victories each to their name. Just a week later, the MXGP Paddock will make its way to Lugo, Spain, a city of particular significance as the birthplace of the reigning 2023 MXGP World Champion, Jorge Prado. The connection couldn’t be more profound for the Spaniard, especially considering that the circuit itself is named the Jorge Prado Municipal Circuit. This upcoming event promises a poignant homecoming, with the World Champion stepping into his roots, creating an emotional and exciting moment of communion with the Spanish fans. The symbolic stage for Prado will definitetely offers thrilling celebrations and you can be

guaranteed that an unforgettable show will unfold in Lugo. Closing out a thrilling triple-header, the 2024 Monster Energy MXGP of France is set to take on St Jean d’Angely, a French track steeped in history, having hosted 18 MXGP events and two Motocross of Nations over the past two decades. With a legacy of MX legends conquering its challenging terrain, including Ricky Carmichael (MXoN, 2000), Stefan Everts (2002, 2004), Antonio Cairoli (2007,2012) and David Philippaerts (2005,2010), this iconic venue promises another chapter of greatness. Jeffrey Herlings, already boasting four Grand Prix wins at St Jean D’Angely, aims to further elevate his stats in 2024. Yet, he will face a fierce competition with MX World Champions like Jorge Prado, Tim Gajser, and Romain Febvre ready to leave their mark on the renowned Charente-Maritime track. Get ready for an epic showdown at the heart of French motocross history. A week break and starting another back-to-backto-back, the Liqui Moly MXGP of Germany on the well-known circuit of Teutschenthal will welcome the MXGP paddock. The track is historic and hosted the FIM Motocross World Championship for the 28th time in 2023 on top of the 2013 Monster Energy FIM MXoN. In 2023, fans witnessed some of the most heart-breaking moment of the season and, of course, pivotal for the championship with the injury of Jeffrey Herlings. On the cusp of putting an immensurable pressure on Jorge Prado in the championship and pushing hard behind the Spaniard in the first race, Herlings lost not only control uphill but dashed all hopes for a 6th World Title. In the same weekend, the rookie Lucas Coenen was at few laps from his first Grand Prix win when his Husqvarna completely failed him, leaving Liam Everts tasting his very own first Grand Prix win and continuing his family legacy. No time to waste and riders will get to Latvia in sandy Kegums. Kegums hosted the top category of the FIM Motocross World Championship for the first time in 2009 when Antonio Cairoli came out victorious in MX1. Back in 2014 the track also hosted a great edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations with Team France winning the Chamberlain Trophy and starting its famous series of five consecutive wins in the Nations. In 2023, two perfect winners emerged, Jeffrey Herlings and Kay de Wolf, who conquered challenging conditions, including rain and wind, to rise above the competition and stand on top of the podium. The third round of this triple-header will take place at the historic Maggiora Park for the MXGP of Italy. The GP will also mark the half-point of the season and be an important and pivotal weekend. This venue welcomed the best of motocross for many years now and the hilly circuit was lucky to witness two Motocross World crowning last season with both

Jorge Prado and Andrea Adamo at home finishing the job during that weekend. The scenes of joy and euphoria will remain in the mind of anyone present and those who watched the Grand Prix and showed that Maggiora will always be a special venue full of magical memories.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP MUCH-ANTICIPATED START IS SET AGAINST THE BREATHTAKING BACKDROP OF VILLA LA ANGOSTURA IN THE PROVINCE OF NEUQUÉN, ARGENTINA. THIS ICONIC VENUE, WINNER OF THE 2023 MXGP BEST FAN ENGAGEMENT AWARD, HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HEARTS OF MOTOCROSS AFICIONADOS. FROM ITS FIRST APPEARANCE ON THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR BACK IN 2015 THE MXGP OF PATAGONIA-ARGENTINA EVOKE HISTORIC VICTORIES THAT HAVE MADE IT A MUSTSEE OF THE MXGP CALENDAR, SETTING THE STAGE FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE SEASON

Following a one-week break, the FIM Motocross World Championship ventures into Southeast Asia for consecutive Indonesian GPs, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to a global MXGP calendar. The inaugural race unfolds in Sumbawa for the third consecutive year, where despite the island’s remoteness, the extraordinary fan engagement from the local community creates a spectacular and unique atmosphere. The vibrant locals transform the Grand Prix into a joyous celebration, providing an extra surge of energy for the riders. Romain Febvre’s triumph last season, initiating a memorable five-GP winning streak, definitely added to the excitement in Sumbawa. The MXGP action doesn’t stop there; for the second GP in Indonesia, MXGP takes on Lombok Island, part of the stunning Indonesian archipelago renowned for its sandy beaches, surfing havens, and snorkeling spots. This paradisiacal tourist destination, featuring the Gili Islands and Senggigi Island, sets the stage for another thrilling challenge. The track, situated on an old airport runway specifically built for MXGP, will test riders with scorching temperatures. The islandwide buzz surrounding the event is palpable, with a staggering 65,000 fans resent in 2023, creating an unforgettable experience for riders and spectators alike.

After a brief breather following the Indonesian leg, the riders will touch down back in Europe in the Czech Republic to tackle the iconic Loket circuit. MXGP history there is long since Joel Smets claimed victory in the inaugural 1995 edition. Since then, many

legendary riders raced on the circuit nestled in the hilly forest, such as Stefan Everts who won 3 times, Mickael Pichon, also 3-times winner in the early 2000s and of course the one who won the most with four GP wins, Antonio Cairoli. From the current pool of riders, Jorge Prado who won twice in MX2 (2018,2019) and once in MXGP in 2021, while Herlings, Febvre and Geerts also won there twice. Next in line is the MXGP of Flanders, returning to the challenging sands of Lommel, the hub for many MXGP teams and a familiar territory for riders. Lommel’s track underwent a complete renovation in 2023, maintaining its reputation as the world’s toughest circuit. The famous sand track, a haven for specialists, remains a formidable challenge. With riders like Pekka Vehkonen winner of the first edition in 1990, Everts, Cairoli and Marnicq Bervoets, all writing their name to the winners list, it is not difficult

to sense the privilege to win on the Belgian track. Last season, it was Febvre and Geerts in MXGP and MX2 respectively who lifted the trophy. After that will be the time for the MXGP of Sweden in Uddevalla, where Cairoli and Everts are the most successful riders in the history of the track; six victories each to their name. We can also add Joël Smets who managed three wins. The 25th anniversary of the Swedish circuit in 2023 was marked by Jeremy Seewer, who put a stop to Febvre’s winning streak. On a circuit that he seems to feel comfortable as he won in 2022, the Swiss rider got his second win of the season. Simon Laengenfelder in MX2 mirrored Seewer in registering his second GP win of the

season. In 2024, the Swedish circuit will be revamped raising the competition with a more challenging track for the riders who will have to adapt quickly to be performing to their best. The MXGP of the Netherlands is always a big one for our MXGP Dutch fans. For the second year in its history, the MXGP paddock will go to Arnhem at The Motorsportpark Gelderland Midden which was founded in 2017 as a sand track that many riders would know as an ideal training facility. We can expect an even greater show with this time all the Dutch fans able to see their hero, Jeffrey Herlings who had to sit the MXGP of the Netherlands in 2023. In 2023, Febvre came out on top in MXGP, while Liam Everts started a charge for the Red Plate and teammate Andrea

Adamo with a GP win although it would not go his way in the end. Next on the agenda is Switzerland, marking the third Grand Prix in as many weeks returning for the second consecutive year, the MXGP of Switzerland Presented by iXS promises to deliver some of the season’s most exhilarating atmosphere. In Frauenfeld, the fans showcased remarkable support for the riders in 2023, particularly rallying behind their local heroes, Jeremy Seewer and Valentin Guillod. The brand-new circuit challenged the riders last season and will again in 2024 in this tight and technical layout. Marking a French dominance in 2023, Maxime Renaux and Thibault Benistant both managed to win their first GP of their season. The season crescendos with the MXGP of Türkiye in Afyon on the weekend of the 8th September. The Turkish GP has been present to the calendar every season since 2018 (except for 2020). The MXGP of Türkiye will host MXGP for the 6th time in its history on a track where Jeffrey Herlings won 3 times in the MXGP class. Tim Gajser won the last two editions as the Slovenian marked a triumphant return with his first win following his injury, exactly one year after his last win, already in Afyon in 2022. The MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado also won in 2018 in MX2 and will want to write his name on the MXGP class winners. A week later, for a back-to-back overseas, riders and their teams will fly from Turkiye further east to the land of China. The much-anticipated return of China to the MXGP Calendar is set to be thrilling, repeating the event’s success in 2019 in Shanghai. Organized by Shanghai Hehui Sports Culture Development Co., Ltd, a part of the group that owns the Just1 brand, the event aims to foster sports development in the country and enhance the local

social and economic landscape through globally acclaimed events. Scheduled for September 15 and 16, coinciding with the popular Moon Festival holiday, the event promises locals an exciting weekend of motocross action coupled with traditional festivities. In 2019, the MXGP of China drew 25,000 fans who witnessed the spectacular races. Herlings and Prado emerged victorious in the MXGP and MX2 categories respectively, delivering an unforgettable show for everyone present. The inclusion of the MXGP of China on the 2024 MXGP calendar adds an exciting new dimension to the sport, further extending the global influence of motocross. The last race on the calendar that is set to take place on the 29th of September is yet to be determined and will be announced soon. Set to unfold on October 6th, the pinnacle of the season, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, will take place in Matterley Basin. Home to one of the most celebrated motocross tracks in the world, Matterley Basin has been consistently favoured by riders who often dub it as their favourite circuit. Nestled in a picturesque and natural arena-like setting, this British track has witnessed the prestigious Monster Energy FIM MXoN twice before, in 2006 and 2017. Team USA claimed victory in 2006, while Team France secured the crown in 2017. The track’s distinctive layout and pristine dirt, combined with breath-taking viewpoints, provides spectators with an unparalleled view of the entire course, delivering an unforgettable experience for motocross enthusiasts. Anticipation runs high for the 2024 MXoN, set to be fiercely competitive. With Team France holding the Chamberlain Trophy, numerous teams dream of lifting the mighty trophy, carrying forward the MXoN’s legacy as the largest and most thrilling off-road event of the year.

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THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN... WITH THE 2024 MXGP SEASON RAPIDLY CLOSING IN, WE HERE, AT MXGP MAGAZINE, FIGURED IT WAS ONLY RIGHT THAT WE BRING YOU UP TO SPEED REGARDING SOME OF THE MAIN CHANGES AHEAD OF THE FIRST GATE DROP OF THE NEW CAMPAIGN.

Want to know who is riding in what team, on what bike or what class? Then read on, you crazy petrol heads, read on, because this year, the magic merry-go-round has been in full-swing and there is a lot to wrap our heads around. RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING After winning his first MXGP world title last year, it comes as little or no surprise that Jorge PRADO remains with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing for this year. Along with his 14 race wins, the Spaniard secured no fewer than 11 RAM Qualifying wins as well, which enabled him to wrap up the title with a round remaining. Prado starts as favourite in 2024. Whilst he may be the only rider on the team in the MXGP class, Prado will be joined by Simon LAENGENFELDER and Marc-Antoine ROSSI in the MX2 side of the awning. After placing 3rd the past two years, Laengenfelder will no doubt be aiming for the top step in 2024, but how will he fare with having to deal with a new team mate in the form of Rossi? The young French ace may be a rookie, but don’t be surprised to see him challenging for top five’s or better, within a few rounds. KAWASAKI RACING TEAM MXGP In many ways, Kawasaki’s Romain FEBVRE probably enjoyed 2023 more than most, winning six GP’s in the mid-part of the season. Five of those were consecutively, don’t forget! The one thing that eluded the Frenchman though, was the title. If Febvre starts the year healthy and retains the same kind of form from last year, then he has every chance of claiming his second premier class world title. But as always, it’s not going to be easy. Especially now that he is joined by a new teammate, and one that is regarded as his equal, at the very least. With Jeremy SEEWER joining Kawasaki, the intention from the green corner of

Japan is clear. To win! But, how long will it take for the Swiss to get up to speed with his new steed, and how will the dynamic be between the two rivals?

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA FACTORY MXGP MX2 TEAM It’s all change at Monster Energy Yamaha in more ways than one. There is a new team owner, new personnel and new riders, so let’s start at the top. The team is now run by Hans Corvers, who formerly ran Yamaha’s factory effort in MX2, which means the team will now operate out of Belgium. The technical crew will now be working on 450cc machinery instead of 250’s, but the biggest change is to the rider line up. Only Maxime RENAUX remains from last year, but he returns ‘home’ to the team that guided him to the MX2 World Championship in 2021. Belgium’s Jago GEERTS may be a new addition to the MXGP Class, but crucially for his first term in the division, remains with the same team who have guided his professional career to this point. Will he be a title threat though? Runner-up in MX2 for the past four years, he could prove to be a dark horse. If there was ever a rider who deserved a factory ride in recent years, it’s Calvin VLAANDEREN. The likeable South African has won GP’s in both MXGP and MX2 in the past, and will be keen to add more wins under his belt. How quickly he adapts to the factory surroundings and the pressure that comes with it, will be a matter of time, but now, there are no excuses. There are more changes on the MX2 side at Monster Energy Yamaha. With Hans Corvers promoted to running the MXGP team, the MX2 side will now be operated by Wim Hutten, who previously ran the Hutten Metaal EMX250 team. Thibault BENISTANT, Rick ELZINGA and Andrea BONACORSI have all won EMX titles with Hutten in the past and will no doubt be looking forward to adding more silverware to the team’s trophy cabinet, but will there be a world

title added come the end of the season? If Benistant stays healthy, then it’s a very real possibility. FANTIC FACTORY RACING MXGP The past few seasons has seen the resurgence of Fantic, and with 3 EMX titles and 1 Junior World title under its belt since 2020, the time has come to step up to the world stage. Louis Vosters is the man in charge and has an all-Dutch line up on board, which includes Glenn COLDENHOFF and Roan VAN DE MOOSDIJK. The Hoff was in bronze medal contention last year, and has the team and the tools at hand to challenge for the podium again in 2024, whilst his rookie teammate ‘Moose’ will be hoping to learn as much as he can – not only from Glenn, but also from the experienced team he has around him at his disposal.

TEAM HRC With its star player out for much of the season, HRC still had a great season, given the circumstances. Ruben FERNANDEZ claimed a maiden GP victory and a total of four podiums on his way to 5th in the championship, and when he returned to action, Tim GAJSER rounded out the season by winning two of the last three GP’s, giving him a great base to work from heading into the off-season. With five world titles under his belt, Gajser’s motivation to make it six is higher than ever. Expect both riders to be in the mix from the very first round. STANDING CONSTRUCT HONDA MXGP After placing 7th overall last year, Alberto FORATO joins Standing Construct Honda in the hope of making

further gains in 2024. Not only was it the Italian’s best season in MXGP but he also experienced that winning feeling when he won the RAM Qualifying Race at home in Maggiora. If the ‘Big Man’ has knuckled down and worked hard during the winter, expect him to come out firing on all cylinders come the opening round. Pauls JONASS remains with the team, but will be keen to put last year behind him after a prolonged spell on the side lines due to injury. If both riders are fit and healthy, expect them to be regular fixtures inside the top ten. RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING As we head to the gates for the first round of the season, one rider will be looking to just make it to the end of the year without a hitch. Jeffrey HERLINGS may have surpassed Stefan Everts all-time win tally

with his 103rd GP victory, but if he had the choice between that and winning a sixth world title, he would have much preferred the latter. Well, now he gets the opportunity to try again. Let’s hope it’s not an opportunity lost this time around. Whilst Herlings remains a one-man band in the MXGP class, his MX2 teammates remain unchanged for a second term. Andrea ADAMO lines up as defending champion, and with two GP wins and eleven podiums on his way to the title, the Sicilian now knows what it takes to get the job done. He might also gain some confidence knowing that he is the only rider on the grid who has won a world championship. Does this work for him, or against him? Rule number one in any team, is always beat your teammate, and at KTM, Adamo has Liam EVERTS

and Sacha COENEN to keep him occupied. Everts ended the season 4th in points last year after a good run of form in the last few rounds, but despite missing out on a medal, he knows how to win a GP as his three victories prove. Sacha Coenen is fast, but he needs to know when to put that speed to good, effective use, and hopefully, that’s something he and the team have been working on during the off-season. With two top five race finishes, he knows he has what it takes to make that next step. Smooth things out, and he will be a real threat.

both hands, and the 31-year-old will be hoping to replicate what he did last year, at the very least. One thing that will keep him honest will be the arrival of MXGP rookie and new teammate, Kevin HORGMO of Norway, who last year realised a dream of taking a GP race win in Turkiye. Horgmo enters the MXGP class with two podiums under his belt, and it’s great to see this team investing in the youth by giving Horgmo this opportunity.

TEAM SHIP TO CYCLE HONDA MOTOBLOUZ SR

It’s been a couple of years since we’ve seen factory representation from Husqvarna in MXGP but in 2024, that support returns. Mattia GUADAGNINI begins his second full season in the premier class, moving from De Carli GASGAS to Nestaan Husqvarna and a brand he knows well, having won EMX125 and Junior World titles with them. Before he got injured in

As a private team, Ship to Cycle enjoyed a fantastic year with Valentin GUILLOD, who secured 9th overall in last year’s campaign. The former MX2 Grand Prix winner may be a late bloomer in the premier class, but he has grabbed this opportunity with

NESTAAN HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING

France, the ‘101’ enjoyed his first visit to the MXGP podium with a 3-3 in Spain for 2nd overall, and that is something he would love to experience again. With this team, he might just get that opportunity. In MX2, the Nestaan Husqvarna team will once again be represented by Lucas COENEN, who secured 5th overall in what was his rookie season last year. He also claimed his maiden GP victory along the way. Lucas has the speed, but another year older, and stronger, can he position himself to be a regular fixture up front and a genuine title contender? Just four points separated these two teammates last year, but Kay DE WOLF will be looking to be top dog, especially after winning his first GP and taking the Red Plate, before picking up a series of injuries which ruled him out of contention. Make no mistake, both these riders are fast and they are hungry to win.

MONSTER ENERGY TRIUMPH RACING It’s great to see how MXGP and motocross in general is growing all over the world, and with that said, it’s even better to see new manufacturers joining the series as well. Triumph Motorcycles have been around since 1905 but is more commonly known as a producer of road bikes. Well, that is about to change and for the first time ever, Triumph will be lining up behind the gate in the MX2 class in 2024. The Monster Energy Triumph Racing team will line up with Mikkel HAARUP and Camden Mc LELLAN, and for those who don’t know, the team behind the team has been involved in MXGP for more than 25 years, thus bringing a wealth of experience to the table. If all goes according to plan, Triumph could be a genuine challenger for the world title, and wouldn’t that be something?

WZ RACING KTM As far as private teams go, WZ Racing KTM is one to be reckoned with. They may be small, but they are perfectly formed. The bikes look great in that distinctive orange livery, and over the past couple of years, they have shown they also turn out a very good motorcycle as well. With three 8th place finishes overall, Oriol OLIVER showed good speed at times last year, even running with the very best in some races. He has the speed, and if he adds ‘fitness’ to that, Oriol could be a regular fixture inside the top five. Oliver will be joined by Haakon FREDRIKSEN who we’ve not seen in the paddock since 2022, but in 2021 the Norwegian finished on the podium four times in EMX250 – two of those as a winner. MRT RACING TEAM BETA After 13th overall and a year on the BETA, Ben WATSON remains with the Italian based MRT squad with the hope of breaking the top ten in MXGP for the first time since he moved up from MX2. The former grand prix winner has bags of talent but just needs to find that last couple of percent to make that difference. Returning to the fray at MRT BETA is Ivo MONTICELLI. The popular Italian focussed on domestic championships last year, but was always itching to return grand prix, so will he be rejuvenated and refreshed this time around? BIKE IT MTX KAWASAKI After several years fielding just one rider in MX2 and WMX, Steve Dixon returns to action with two MX2 riders in 2024. American Jack CHAMBERS returns for another stint on the world stage after an injury-plagued rookie season kept him on the side lines for much of the campaign. But with a taste of what’s to come, fingers crossed, JC has been diligent with his homework in the hope of being a regular top five contender, but it’s not easy jumping the pond from the US to Europe and MXGP. Jack’s teammate is Bobby BRUCE – remember him? He was a hot talent from 2021 in the EMX125 division, where he finished 2nd overall behind Valerio Lata, and just ahead of Lucas Coenen, taking six podiums from nine rounds. The last couple of years have been injury-hit, but he’s also never had this kind of opportunity in MX2, until now. If Dixon and his team can provide both riders with a good, reliable bike, then expect to see both riders firing on all cylinders. JM HONDA RACING

Before he got injured in Latvia, Brent VAN DONINCK sat on the cusp of the top ten in the

MXGP World Championship, and had it not been for that unwanted prang, then who know where the Belgian could have ended up? It’s great to see Jacky Martens keep the faith in the now 28-year-old, and it’s that kind of belief which gives confidence to a rider like BVD. Fingers crossed, the ‘32’ can put a solid run together and stay off the injury list, and if he can do that, he may just crack the top ten. JM Honda will once again have representation in MX2, only this time it’s in the form of former Junior 125cc World Champion, Hakon Osterhagen. The diminutive Norwegian struggled on his return from injury in EMX250 last year, so with a bit of luck, the winter season has seen a return to the kind of confidence that made him almost unstoppable in the 125cc division. F&H RACING TEAM With Kevin Horgmo moving into MXGP, the Dutch-based team have somehow managed to convince Quentin PRUGNIERES to give up the Southern French coast for a move some 12 hours north to Rotterdam, and the sand tracks of The Netherlands! Under the watchful eye of ‘Team Trenner’ and ‘K.O.S’ (King of Sand) Marc De Reuver, the young, stylish French ace will have his work cut out, but if he is willing to listen and learn, it could prove to be the best decision he ever made. MX2 is not easy, and neither is a winter training in the wet, cold sand of northern Europe, but sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone to really make things happen. SCHMICKER RACING Since his bronze medal in EMX250 a couple of years ago, things have been a bit up and down for Cornelius TOENDEL who last year, began the year in MX2 and finished in MXGP. At least now he gets to start in the premier class which will hopefully bring consistency and therefore confidence to his ‘game’. Joining Toendel in MX2 is Emil WECKMAN – the Finn enjoyed some moments towards the front last year, but like so many others, Weckman needs to believe in himself a lot more, know when to push and learn when to settle if he is to break the top ten on a regular basis. If he can do that, then the next step is top five’s. FANTIC FACTORY RACING MX2 Another new team in MX2 is Fantic Factory Racing, and unlike the MXGP team, which is based in Holland, the MX2 squad will be located in Italy and run by SM Action. This team has been around for years and has seen some good riders go on to do good things on the world stage, Ruben Fernandez is an example of this. David BRACERAS and Kay KARSSEMAKERS can now call themselves factory riders, and with the right

backing, these two riders could achieve good things in 2024. JK RACING Another team that has been around for a few years is JK Racing, and this year they have the talented Swede Isak GIFTING joining them. Gifting has shown flashes of what’s to come on several occasions, and if he can do that in MXGP, then he will settle in quite well. Being 23 means he has to move up to the premier class, but given his size, the time is probably right anyway, and we wish him all the best on the 450cc. TEM JEP253 KTM RACING TEAM Another rider making the switch from MX2 to MXGP is the busiest privateer in the paddock, Jan PANCAR. The Slovenian, along with his dad, manages everything from the day-to-day running of the team, to bike preparation, training schedules, travel, everything. If he didn’t enjoy it, he wouldn’t do it, but if he can show the kind of promise he showed in the last two years of MX2, then who knows, all of that might change and he might find himself on the shopping list of an MXGP team or two in the future. Another rider who was perhaps too big for a 250cc, Pancar may well be better suited to the bigger bike. Time will tell. GABRIEL SS24 KTM Not so long ago you would have found Shaun Simpson banging bars with some of the biggest stars of MXGP, and those last couple of years were with him as a team manager running his own team. Running his team in the British Championship the last year or so, has allowed

the Scot to fine-tune and build it to a place where he now feels he can help up and coming riders benefit from everything he now has to offer. One of those riders is Josh GILBERT, who will be lining up for a full season in MXGP, something which for him, comes at just the right time. Confident with his performances at home and along with a couple of stints in America, Gilbert will be looking forward to lining up with the best in the world once again. Some of the other smaller teams in this year’s OAT list include SIXTYSEVEN Racing Team Husqvarna, who will line-up in MXGP with Kevin BRUMANN. The Swiss rider had an up and down season last year, and will be keen to put that right in 2024. Leopold Racing return for another season of MX2 with Leopold AMBJÖRNSSON, who placed 29th in MX2 in 2022, but only managed three rounds last year. And last but by no means least, KTM SB Racing will line up with Jens WALVOORT, who makes the move up from EMX250 where he placed 19th in 2023. His best overall finish was 9th overall at the final round at Matterley Basin with a 10-10 finish. As always you can watch all of the action LIVE on www.mxgp-tv.com which covers all MXGP, MX2 and WMX rounds, along with all rounds of EMX125, EMX250, EMX2T, EMX Open, EMX65cc, EMX85cc and Junior E-Motocross. Topping it all off is the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations which this year will be held at Matterley Basin, Great Britain on October 4,5,6. Along with that you also get the first look at our Behind The Gate series which airs within a couple of days of each Grand Prix. See you at the first GP. The countdown has begun!

MONSTER GIRLS

RIDER OF THE MONTH

ALESSANDRO LUPINO, THE TALE OF THE WOLF Alessandro Lupino, the man they call the Wolf – simply because “Lupo” is “Wolf” in Italian – is a member of an elite Italian club of just seven men who have stood on top of the Motocross of Nations podium wearing the Azzurri Blue of the national team. While most of the attention, as always, was devoted to his close friend and multiple World Champion Antonio Cairoli, for Lupino it was also an emotional moment after 14 years of racing at World Championship level. Starting in the same de Carli Yamaha team as TC222, who by then was already a double World Champion, things have obviously not gone the same way for the man from Viterbo, just 90 km north of Rome. While Toni was filling in perhaps the only blank space on his trophy shelf with his Nations medal, for Alessandro, at the age of 30, it was his first taste of that winning feeling at the very top of the sport. It was a moment for him to celebrate a performance where he truly dug deep in a nail-biting final race where the Chamberlain Trophy was on the line. The young Wolfie looked to have a fine future ahead of him, as despite only getting his first Motocross bike at the age of 12 in 2003, his teenage years saw him as an absolute flyer on the 85cc machine, especially as a 15-year-old when he won the European Championship in the class, plus the Junior World Crown in 2006. That 2006 season, which was the year that saw Stefan Everts clinch his record 10th World Championship whilst Cairoli just lost out in the defence of his number 1 plate, featured an epic battle in the 85cc class between Lupino and another great of the future. The much smaller, but still incredibly fast 12-year-old Ken Roczen had already won a rain-affected Swiss round the previous season, while Lupino was on his way to 4th that year. The Italian on a KTM and the German on a Suzuki would take 20 of the 26 races between them in 2006, and seven of the nine rounds overall. Incidentally, the other overall winners were 2024 Factory Fantic Racing man Glenn Coldenhoff, and rapid Latvian Matiss Karro! Alessandro took the first round in Romania by a single point from Kenny, then after Glenn’s win on home sand in round two, the little Suzuki rider struck back with the overall win in Slovenia. Roczen won again in Bulgaria, but Lupino took five straight chequered flags, plus

another on home ground at Fermo, to put the Championship out of reach. Second to Ken in the first race of the final round at Roggenburg in September was enough to seal the deal and Alessandro was Champion! Also featuring in that talent-stacked season were future stars Harri Kullas, Max Anstie, Arnaud Tonus, Valentin Guillod, and in 12th overall a certain rider by the name of Jeffrey Herlings. He had already beaten them all in August, apart from an absent Herlings, in the single-round Junior World Championships, held at Vantaa in Finland. The Italian could obviously handle the sand as he romped to two race wins ahead of Kenny and, amazingly, a 13-year-old called Eli Tomac. The following year saw Alessandro move to a full-size bike, and in the 125cc class he was only beaten by the impressive American Blake Wharton for the World Junior title. He campaigned the YZ250F to 6th in the Italian Championship and was fast-tracked into Claudio De Carli’s Yamaha team alongside Matteo Bonini and defending two-time World Champion Cairoli.

THE FUTURE Hailed as “the future of Italian Motocross”, the 17-year-old became good friends with Antonio during their time together under the De Carli awning. Always more of a traditional Italian hard-pack rider than his Sicilian sand-master teammate, he scored his first points with a 15th at Bellpuig in Spain, and worked consistently through the season. After scoring his first sand GP points at Lommel, he grew in confidence and scored his best results of 10-12 for tenth overall in his home GP at Faenza. Ultimately outscoring Bonini, Alessandro had impressed the De Carli team enough to keep his ride for 2009, as the team switched its attentions to MX1. His buddy Toni was moving up to the 450cc alongside Tanel Leok, so Lupino remained as the only MX2 rider for the team.

The season started in deep mud at Faenza, but it was a good day for the team (apart from TC maybe!)

as Tanel Leok took the win in MX1 and Lupino a career-best 6th as the second race of each class was cancelled due to the weather. A solid 9th overall at Portugal – where old foe Roczen made his debut in 7th – put him inside the top 15 in the series, but injury struck the teenager for the first time in his GP career and he would not score a point again for De Carli Yamaha, although he was happy to celebrate Toni’s final title for the team before they made the switch from blue to orange. Lupino stayed with the YZ250F for the following season, under the Ricci Racing Yamaha banner alongside two very different MX1 teammates, David Philippaerts and Ken de Dycker. Once again, he dug in and scored his best race result yet of 3rd in the second heat at Bellpuig in Spain and scored several other top tens on hardpack throughout the year. He finished 14th in the Championship, his best to that point, and got selected for the Italian Motocross of

Nations team for the very first time. 20-25 finishes weren’t the best for him at Thunder Valley, USA, but with Toni’s 2-4 scores and Manuel Monni finishing 9-15, Team Italia reached the top five. DEVELOPMENT RIDER The Ricci squad then signed up to become the official factory Husqvarna team. Now these weren’t your modern-day Austrian Husqvarna machines, these were German, owned by the BMW group and sporting red and black alongside the traditional white plastics of that legendary “H” badge. Paired with the American Michael Leib, who struggled with injury in 2011, Alessandro committed to the TC250 project – experience that will become very useful in his 2024 position! The bitter pill for the Wolf to swallow was that most of the names behind him just five years before, were

now mostly ahead of him in the points. Roczen won his only world title in 2011 ahead of Herlings, whilst Tonus, Anstie, and Kullas all finished in the top ten, as Lupino struggled to 15th for the season with the developmental machine. The bike improved round by round, and with the hard pack circuits of Gaildorf and Fermo closing the season, he scored his best of 9th overall at the German circuit, then took a 9th in the final heat of the year on home soil. The Husky improved in 2012 as Loic Larrieu joined the team, and finally Lupino was becoming a regular top ten finisher. Still only 21 but in his fifth year of GP competition, the year started brilliantly as he won the early-season Italian MX2 Championship, and hopes were high. Taking solid sixth places on the hard-pack of Sevlievo, Fermo, and St Jean d’Angely, the team’s hard work in sand during the winter paid off with results like 10th overall at the bottomless Dutch circuit of Lierop. The #77 was probably urged

on by the presence of new teammate, the young and aggressive Ivo Monticelli! Alessandro only failed to score in three heats all year, and rose to 11th in the final standings, just ten points behind Dylan Ferrandis and the top ten. His time with Husqvarna ended on a sad note as the bike cut out with two laps to go in the final race – the only breakdown all season. Just like in 2011, he had a Nations to forget in the deep sand of Lommel, and as the Husqvarna brand was purchased by the Peirer group, he found himself back on the same brand as his very first bike – Kawasaki! PODIUM FINISHES Based in the Netherlands with the CLS Kawasaki team for the winter – “I know that I must improve my sand riding and the best way is to go there” – Lupino took his momentum from 2012 and was instantly a regular in the top ten. The sand training didn’t work too well though, with just a single point from the Dutch GP at Valkenswaard! However, he was strong on hard-pack and claimed his first career GP podium with 8-3 finishes, moving forward in the second race despite the pain from two broken ribs – “I had to take some pills for the pain, it was painful during the first ten minutes but then it was OK!”. In a season where Herlings was completely dominant, Alessandro was second to “The Bullet” in two races that year. On home ground at Maggiora his runner-up second race finish claimed his second career overall podium, just a point shy of taking second from Jose Butron. Loket in the Czech Republic was his other P2 score, and 8th in the world at the end of the year was a deserved result for the 22-year-old. To put the cherry on the cake, he finally had a good day in Team Italia colours with solid 13-8 scores on his favoured hard-pack of Teutschenthal, as Cairoli powered to a pair of wins. Both of Lupino’s races counted as David Philippaerts had an average day, and as the 5th-best MX2 rider his results put Italy ahead of Australia for 3rd overall – the first Nations podium, not just for him, but for his two World Champion teammates as well! Momentum was building as he stayed with CLS Kawasaki for what would be his final year of MX2 in 2014. Scoring 8th overall in Thailand, and 8th again in what was to be his last MX2 heat in Brazil, he was drafted up to the MXGP class to stand in for the injured Tommy Searle, making his 450cc debut on home turf at Trentino! He immediately impressed with points in both outings, including a fine 8th in the second race, and things were looking good. The 450cc bit the Wolf back, however, a crash in practice the week after his great debut tore up one of his knees, and he was done for the season.

Alessandro had shown enough speed to be signed by the Assomotor Honda squad, under the guidance of former World Champion Andrea Bartolini. After a

stunning fifth in race one at Maggiora, he sadly again felt the wrath of the 450cc and was struck down by injury once more. POLIZIA! Around about this time, Alessandro decided to enlist in the Italian Police Force, as part of its special Sports Group that also includes double Olympic Gold winning sprinter Marcell Jacobs and boxer Roberto Cammarelle. He has his own firearm and the option to work as a police officer full-time once he is completely finished with racing. Until then, in Italian races, including MXGP events, he can race with the special crimson and blue colours with the golden lion emblem on his race jersey, and the tagline “Fiamme Oro – Polizia di Stato” (Gold Flames – State Police) written across his chest.

His two further years with Honda were steady, with a best of 11th in race one at Mantova seeing him into 19th in the 2016 standings, improving to 16th in 2017 with a best of 6th at Orlyonok. His main successes in those years were in the Italian Championship, wearing his Polizia colours, where he took four straight titles – three for Honda, then a fourth on the Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki team for 2018. He has always been suited to hard pack, stating that “we have so many sand races in Europe now, so if you are not by nature a sand rider then it’s difficult to be competitive over here.” His last ride for Honda had been a good one, back in the Nations team after a three-year absence, and making a difference with 4-18 results for 4th in the

Open class behind Herlings, Romain Febvre, and Dean Wilson. His Nations appearance the following year, at a slimy RedBud in the USA, saw a magnificent ride from Wolfie, finishing directly behind Cairoli as the good friends took 4th & 5th in the final heat to pressure France for the overall win, finishing just two points behind the reigning Champs for 2nd overall. Unfortunately, a fuel irregularity for their MX2 rider Michele Cervellin saw them disqualified for the event and wiped from the history books, but nothing can take away how brilliantly the pair had ridden together. It came off the back of his best year so far in the MXGP class, 13th in the standings with a 7th overall in Semarang, Indonesia, being his best round with

maybe a little incentive – his wife Federica had just given birth! FAMILY MAN With baby girl Ludovica at home, Alessandro enjoyed the extra responsibility, although his family only ever joined him at Italian races, with the invention of FaceTime becoming very useful at that moment! As usual for Lupino, just when he met his good friend called “Momentum”, his nemesis “Adversity” would also join the room…. He picked up his worst injury yet at Orlyonok in 2019 with a heavy fall that fractured both a vertebra and his sternum. Amazingly, he recovered to line up at Loket just seven weeks later, and a further month later he took his best overall result of the year with 8th at Imola, again enjoying the hard-pack when many were not! Despite not scoring at seven GPs, he still finished 21st in the overall rankings, although predictably he struggled at the Nations around a soaking wet Assen circuit! He stayed with Gebben Van Venrooy in their move to Yamaha for 2020, but in the Covid-disrupted season he also got injured several times. He did enjoy the multiple Italian rounds, however, with a pair of P7 races during the Faenza triple-header, then the Trentino week of three GPs delivered 6th overall in the first two! On his return from ligament damage to his ankle, the stunning Lupino scored his only ever top three on a 450cc in race one of the middle GP, beaten only by the top two in the Championship, Jeremy

IN A NORMAL RACE I WOULD HAVE STOPPED BUT THIS IS THE NATIONS SO EVERYONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. THEY PUT OUT THE SIGN WITH FOUR LAPS LEFT SAYING YOU NEED TO PASS TWO FOR THE WIN! I GAVE EVERYTHING I HAD AND WITH TWO LAPS TO GO I MADE THE LAST PASS – IT WAS AN AMAZING FEELING.” Alessandro Lupino

Seewer and Tim Gajser! This lifted him to 18th in the final standings. BACK HOME For 2021 Alessandro picked up a deal with one of his home-town heroes from Viterbo, former car and bike racer Elio Marchetti. Returning to KTM for the first time since his stellar 85cc 2006 season, he was able to train more with his good friend Cairoli. “It’s cool because we push each other, you don’t see

too many Pro riders who train together.” In a very happy place and living back in Viterbo, he laid old demons to rest with a stunning start to the year at Orlyonok, finishing 5-4 for a brilliant 4th overall behind the holy trinity of Gajser, Herlings, and Febvre. Training partner Cairoli had crashed out of race two but enjoyed his friend’s success as it was Lupino’s best career result in the premier class. The rest of the season wouldn’t quite produce the same high levels, but despite torrid days in the sands of Lommel and Riola Sardo, he kept digging in to finish 10th in the series, easily the best nonfactory rider in the class. Before the end of the season, though, there was that one shining golden moment for “Lupo”. NATIONS GLORY Mantova is not your typical Italian hard-pack circuit, held in a sandy bowl that is good for viewing the whole circuit and helping local riders purely by the strength of the fans’ support. And despite the wet conditions that September day, the support was there for what surely was the last chance for Antonio Cairoli to fill that gap in his trophy cabinet – a Nations gold medal! With rising MX2 GASGAS star Mattia Guadagnini in good form, Lupino in the Open Class was also in the best shape of his life at 30 years old. However, it didn’t start well with Cairoli crashing in race one. That left Wolfie needing two good scores as TC’s 21st would have to be disposed of. France had scored well, and the Dutch still had Herlings in their locker. Guadagnini’s 5th place had still given the home team some hope. Backing up his young teammate, as they rolled in 6th and 7th in race two, the fight for the Chamberlain Trophy was wide open! Tom Vialle suffered a rare breakdown to put France in trouble, and Roan van de Moosdijk had put 38 points on the board for the Dutch. Team GB were in the running after a fine 3rd from Ben Watson put them 3rd overall before the last race! The surprise was Team Belgium, for whom Cyril Genot had taken a shock 6th in race one, Brent van Doninck taking 4th in race two, with Liam Everts on debut putting them on 40 points to Italy’s 39!

The Netherlands had Herlings & Coldenhoff ready to go, but Cairoli started with them and got between the pair, ultimately finishing 2nd as the Dutch were 1st and 3rd. It all hinged on Lupino, who had been nudged wide in the first corner, and had to rejoin the track by cutting the second corner out completely! Protests were flying and ultimately the Marchetti KTM man was given a ten-position penalty, which he was informed of during the race! This made it ridiculously close, then Alessandro hit the ground hard!

“It was a really hard final race. After the crash I was not fit because of the pain to my head! It made everyone nervous! In a normal race I would have stopped but this is the Nations so everyone was counting on me. They put out the sign with four laps left saying you need to pass two for the win! I gave everything I had and with two laps to go I made the last pass – it was an amazing feeling.” The joy was clear to see for all three Italian teammates, but especially for the two 30-somethings, close friends with massively different careers. Now, however, Alessandro Lupino has the same number of Nations gold medals as his illustrious compatriot. THE FUTURE OF MOTOCROSS? After two seasons on the factory Beta RX 450 with the Marchetti team, once more gaining vital experience as a development rider for an Italian manufacturer but also suffering with injuries and a painful bout of appendicitis, Alessandro

announced his retirement from Grand Prix Motocross. Incredibly, on the 22nd January 2024 at Ducati’s “Campioni in Pista” event, his number 77 was unveiled on a red and black motorcycle bearing the iconic name… Ducati. The number on the other Desmo450 MX machine is even more familiar… #222. Antonio Cairoli. The two friends are now tasked with the incredible job of bringing Ducati, 2023’s most successful manufacturer in tarmac racing, onto the dirt. What a great experience for the 33-year-old Lupino to be bringing this manufacturer into this world, alongside one of his closest friends. He will race the Italian Championship series, that he has won four times, with more attention on it than ever before due to the name on his motorcycle. With all of his experience from 16 years of World Championship racing, noone could be more suited to the task than Alessandro Lupino.

PODCAST

PRINCE EMmANUELE FILIBERTO OF SAVOY JOIN US ON THIS CAPTIVATING JOURNEY AS WE ENTER INTO A CONVERSATION THAT TRANSCENDS THE BOUNDARIES OF MOTOCROSS, TOUCHING UPON FAMILY, SPORTSMANSHIP AS WELL AS THE THRILLING DYNAMICS OF THE MXGP TEAM SPONSORED BY THE PRINCE, SHIP TO CYCLE HONDA SR MOTOBLOUZ. PAUL MALIN AND PRINCE EMMANUELE FILIBERTO OF SAVOY ALSO SPEAK ABOUT THE THRILLING 2023 MONSTER ENERGY MXON AT ERNÉE, FRANCE.

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TO HEAR OR WATCH THE PODCAST

SPECIAL FEATURE

ANTONIO CAIROLI 2010 KTM 350 SX-F AFTER WINNING THREE WORLD TITLES IN ‘BLUE’ FROM 2005 - 2009, ANTONIO CAIROLI AND THE DE CARLI RED BULL TEAM HE RACED FOR SHOCKED THE MOTOCROSS WORLD BY ANNOUNCING THAT FROM 2010, THEY WOULD BE FORMING A NEW ALLIANCE WITH KTM, EFFECTIVELY TAKING THE ‘NUMBER ONE’ PLATE TO AUSTRIA.

Not only that, but it soon emerged that the ‘222’ would be lining up as the defending MX1 champ on the all-new, factory 350 SX-F. Last month we covered the journey to how the production 350cc came about, but in this issue of MXGP Magazine, we take a look at the factory 350 SX-F that took Antonio Cairoli

to what was a historic world title in the premier class.

With what possibly felt like the shortest off-season he’d ever experienced in his short career to this point, Tony Cairoli and Claudio De Carli knew they had to hit the ground running by the time the 2010 season began. A new brand of motorcycle, new displacement, a bike that was switching from no link and moving to a linkage system; time was running out, but with their backs against the wall, the whole crew continued to work methodically and tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that ‘Project New’ would be a success. With the eyes of the

motocross world upon them, a world title to defend, and a production 350 SX-F on the line from 2011, what happened in 2010 could have consequences and repercussions if it was not a success. The first time the public got to witness Cairoli’s factory KTM350 SX-F in action was at the pre-season international race in Italy, known as the Mantova Starcross, which took place on February 6th/7th. It was clear from his first laps on track that his new bike would be competitive in terms of his lap times, but how would that translate in a race situation when good starts are key? His reply to the critics was a 1-1-3 across the three races which netted him the overall win. A solid day for KTM and Project New was very much ‘project now’. Despite this win, the debate between 350cc vs 450cc continued to rage on, that ‘this was only a pre-season race, not all riders were present or 100% fit’ etc, etc … but in terms of column inches, it was perfect for KTM as a brand. At the opening grand prix in Bulgaria, KTM took the top two steps of the podium, but it was Max Nagl’s 450cc (1-2) that claimed the overall victory from Cairoli on his 350cc with 5-1 results. However, a podium and a race

win were a great place to start, and we finally got to see the true capabilities of this new ‘experimental’ machine. Back-to-back victories in Lombardia and the Netherlands followed for the ‘222’ and with his 2nd overall in Portugal, Round 4, the new 350cc had landed on the podium 4 times from 4 GP’s. Two rounds later, and we found ourselves at the USGP at Glen Helen, for what was a truly historic day, when Cairoli (1st) was joined on the podium by Mike Alessi (2nd) who was American KTM’s factory 350cc rider, for that season. As far as the new bike was concerned, it did not get better than that, and what a statement to make to the world. Over the course of the next 8 rounds that followed the US round, TC222 landed on the podium a further 7 times, including an impressive 5 wins in-a-row from rounds 10-14. The icing on the cake though came in Brazil at Campo Grande, where Cairoli’s 2-1 meant he was world champion for the fourth time. It was not only his first back-to-back title-winning success but it was also his first with KTM (at the first attempt) and the first for the brand new KTM 350 SX-F. All of this with two rounds remaining. It was emphatic.

The bike itself was revolutionary from KTM’s standpoint and provided a new way forward for the Austrian brand. Gone was the old, heavy chassis; in was the new look, a lightweight motorcycle more in-line with the competition. It was stylish, and with 250cc, 350cc and 450cc models with a linkage, KTM now appealed to everyone, from hobby racer to grand prix racer. A new 450cc in 2012 allowed KTM to compete and win in America, but more on that another time. That success though, came as a result of KTM’s re-think regarding the 350cc. That is how significant the 350cc project was at that time. With a completely new chassis and linkage for the 350cc, KTM were able to replicate that for the 450cc at GP level, and the gains were plain to see. A lighter, more-nimble machine meant you could be more aggressive on the racetrack. The new WP Track-System which had been developed in line with the new chassis was a game changer for KTM as well. As for the 350cc itself, it weighed in around 2-3kg lighter than the 450cc, and with a rider as small and as light as Cairoli, that also had a bearing on how the 350cc journey was so successful. The new chassis and linkage meant that KTM had not only been brought into line with the other manufacturers, but it meant there were no more excuses in terms of handling and/or stability. There had been arguments circulating for years, and of course ‘bench racers’ and journalists loved to debate the pros and cons between the PDS and link systems. The arrival of the 350cc pretty much stopped those debates in their tracks. So, how was it to ride? The cockpit felt small and compact with the width of the bike being much slimmer as well. But slimmer compared to what exactly? As this was an MX1 bike, the only comparison was to a 450cc, and on that basis, this new bike, which shared the same chassis and general ergonomics as the 250cc, and felt very much like one as well. With Tony’s size, his set-up meant his cockpit allowed him to sit ‘in the bike’ as opposed to on top of it. With his low ‘bar position, TC was able to corner with more precision, whilst the 350cc engine allowed him to ride his MX1 machine more like a 250cc, but with the added bonus of more power than its smaller sibling. The new suspension set-up coupled with the ability to carry more corner speed meant that nobody else stood a chance.

Even though the 350cc felt like a 250cc, Cairoli opted for a lighter spring rate in his WP forks compared to Marvin Musquin though, with TC running 4.2 compared to MM25s 4.4. The WP forks also had a makeover; the allaluminium 52mm WP forks now came with big bore tubes to give more stability. Only the springs were steel. The outer tube was also a different shape compared to the 2009 forks, which also helped improve stability. As for the rear shock, Cairoli sat between the settings of Musquin’s 250cc and Nagl’s 450cc. Musquin ran a 49-kilo spring, with Cairoli running a 51 compared to Nagl’s 52 on his 450cc.

Some of the success of the KTM 350cc also came down to a bit of luck though, as Stefan Everts pointed out: ‘I remember with Pit Beirer, we had a lot of thinking, a lot of plans and dreams that we had in mind and when we had that 350cc project going on. Of course, the next step was to have a top rider, and who was the top rider at that time? Tony Cairoli! And that was our biggest luck, you know, that they weren’t happy with Yamaha, and I saw the whole picture together, where the 350cc would be like how I would have wanted to have it and then to have a good rider like Tony because he had the perfect size, he’s not a really tall guy, he just matches the 350cc perfectly so he

would have been the best ambassador for that new bike.’ During the course of the 2010 MX1 season, Antonio Cairoli took 15 race wins, placed 2nd five times and 3rd on just three occasions, meaning that from the 28 moto’s he competed in, he only finished outside the top three just five times. And from the 14 rounds that he raced, he only missed the podium twice, winning 8 of those. The final round he tweaked his knee and could not line up to race. The world title for KTM was the first of five ina-row for the 350cc and the sixth consecutive title in the premier class for Cairoli.

HALL OF FAME

JOEL ROELANTS than some other fast kids such as Marvin Musquin on the sandy track of Vantaa, Finland. Third of the European championship he moved to the EMX2 in 2007, struggled with the new 144 two stroke KTM, then switched with a 250cc four stroke to win the Dutch championship. He also entered some GP’s later that season but couldn’t shine due to crashes and injuries. Working alongside Kees Van der Ven in the Champ KTM team for his first full season in the MX2 World Championship, Joel improved his results through the season and collected his first ever GP podium during the final round at Faenza. Back in Jacky Martens team for 2009 he entered the final top ten with a seventh overall, clinched another Dutch title and enjoyed for the first time a podium at the Motocross of Nations alongside Clément Desalle and Steve Ramon. The following season was even better for him with three GP podiums, a fifth position in the MX2 class and a third Dutch title, but 2011 was a nightmare as he struggled with his bike and missed two rounds due to an injury. Ending the season with another podium at Born on 20th May 1989 in Lierre, Joel didn’t the Motocross of Nations, he signed with really had the opportunity to start racing team CLS Kawasaki for 2012 and finally got as young as some of his rivals, even if his first GP success in what was his last his father Walter was himself an amateur season in the MX2 class. On the podium at the first GP in Valkenswaard, he won his motocross rider. When he started at ten first ever heat at the following Grand years old, Joel could get some pieces of Prix in Bulgaria and three months later advice from his father, but due to a lack won in Latvia, showing the world how fast of experience, it took him time to get his he was on a sandy track. Fighting for first good results. the final podium, he unfortunately dislocated his hip during the British TEN YEARS AGO, THE PROMISING CAREER OF JOEL Grand Prix and ROELANTS ENDED SUDDENLY WITH A NASTY CRASH ended the season prematurely. DURING ONE ROUND OF THE MOTOCROSS WORLD

CHAMPIONSHIP. FORMER JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION, WINNER OF ONE MX2 GRAND PRIX AND TWICE ON THE PODIUM AT THE MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS WITH TEAM BELGIUM, JOEL REBOUNDED AS COACH OF RIDERS AFTER HIS ACCIDENT AND HE IS NOW THE NEW MANAGER OF TEAM BELGIAN FOR THE MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS.

While racing some rounds of the 125cc European championship in 2005, Joel impressed the industry when he won the 125cc FIM Junior Motocross World Championship one year later, being faster

Due to the age regulation Joel was forced to move in the MX1 class in 2013 and he had the opportunity to sign with team Yamaha Rinaldi. The first part of the campaign wasn’t really successful, but later that season he scored a couple of top ten results during the last six rounds of the series. Without any factory ride at the end of the season, he built his own J Race Racing with the support of Honda Europe and had a consistent first part of season including

a fifth overall at Valkenswaard. When the championship stopped at Maggiora for the tenth of the eighteen rounds, Joel did not enter the Grand Prix, as he got seriously injured in a crash during the timed practice session. It was the end of his career, and after a long surgery, he had to admit that he would never walk again.

many riders during all these past seasons, he will of course continue his activity and adds a new card to his score board as he succeeds Johan Boonen as manager of the Belgian team for the Motocross of Nations. Photos : Pascal Haudiquert

During his entire career Joel was a hard worker, and he always showed a strong mentality that helped him to rebound from this tragedy. Working as a coach alongside

1977

31ST IN THE 125 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (KAWASAKI)

2006:

125 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION (KTM) 3RD IN THE 125 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP. WIN 1 GP

2007:

7TH IN THE MX2 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM). WIN 1 GP 34TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MX2 DUTCH CHAMPION

2008:

13TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM)

2009:

7TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM) 3RD AT THE MX OF NATIONS WITH TEAM BELGIUM MX2 DUTCH CHAMPION

2010:

5TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM) MX2 DUTCH CHAMPION

2011:

10TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM) 3RD AT THE MX OF NATIONS WITH TEAM BELGIUM

2012:

6TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KAWASAKI). WIN 1 GP

2013:

12TH IN THE MX1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (YAMAHA)

2014:

16TH IN THE MXGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (HONDA)

JORGE PRADO GARCIA 2023 MXGP WORLD CHAMPION

ANDREA ADAMO

2023 MX2 WORLD CHAMPION

“WE SELL WHAT WE RACE, WE RACE WHAT WE SELL”

PADDOCK TALKS 1

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4 5

1 The MXGP of Galicia made its entry to the 2024 MXGP Calendar. Taking place in Lugo, birthplace of our current MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado, the Grand Prix will run on 1112 May and promises to be an exciting addition 2 Ducati unveiled their new offroad bike along with Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, the Desmo450 MX! 3 2024 will mark the 15th year competing in MXGP Championships for Jeffrey Herlings! Some invaluable experience for next season. 2024 Year 15 in GP’s.

4 Harry Norton has been officially appointed as MXGP Red Bull KTM Team Manager to lead the iconic and multi-time Motocross World Champion Team 5 After moving to Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, Mattia Guadagnini looks like he is getting used to his new Husqvarna FC450! 6 The much-awaited return of the MXGP of China has been announced and will take place in Shanghai on the 15-16 September. China will welcome the best mx riders in the world during the traditional and popular Moon Festival holiday.

7 Glenn Coldenhoff is fine tuning his new Fantic XXF 450 bike to be ready for the first Grand Prix of the season. Fantic Factory Racing MXGP will be one of the team to watch in 2024 8 Romain Febvre 2023 is almost finished! Happy about this year, many things happened between, racing, building house, Nina starting school and normal life! 2024 is about to start and will enjoy every moments! 9 Coenen brothers waiting for the next gate drop.